Remains of NY Marine killed in '43 Pacific battle identified

Tuesday

Nov 3, 2015 at 9:01 AMNov 3, 2015 at 9:02 AM

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — The Pentagon says the remains of a U.S. Marine from New York City have been identified from among the remains of 36 American World War II servicemen found buried on a Pacific island.

Military officials said Monday that the remains of Pfc. James P. Reilly have been identified and are being returned to his family for burial.

The 20-year-old from Queens was among the more than 500 Marines and sailors listed as missing in action after the three-day battle for the Japanese-held atoll of Tarawa in November 1943. About 1,000 Marines were killed and more than 2,000 were wounded.

In June, the Florida-based nonprofit organization Honor Flight announced it had found the burial site of what were believed to be 36 Marines. The remains were turned over to the military for identification.

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